Departmental Bodies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 April 2013

Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Questions (179)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

179. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reconsider the appointment of a person (details supplied) to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, that this person's position is in conflict with his directorship of Mainstream Renewable Power, which is seeking to build hundreds of wind turbines in the midlands; in view of the fact that the SEAI have been tasked by him to determine issues related to deciding the appropriate separation distance between wind turbines and family homes, if minimum separation distances are increased wind farm developers state that they will be building fewer turbines which will impact their ability to generate profits; if he will consider appointing the EPA, as the statutory body for issues concerning noise; if he will undertake matters related to the review of the guidelines, as the SEAI have a conflicting role in that they are tasked with promoting wind energy; his views on whether this person's involvement as director and advocate for Mainstream Renewable Power undermines the credibility of the SEAI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19358/13]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

In January of this year I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with my UK counterpart, Mr. Edward Davey M.P., to explore the potential for exporting wind based renewable energy from Ireland to the UK. Intensive discussions are being progressed by my Department and its UK counterpart on this matter. Whilst the signing of the MOU indicates a strong statement of intent on the part of both Governments, considerable work remains to be done to put the necessary comprehensive framework in place. This would be necessary in advance of any specific project being implemented and any such project will be subject to all appropriate statutory consents. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has no statutory responsibility in this regard and also has no regulatory role in the area or in relation to noise control.

More generally, a technical review of the Wind Energy Guidelines is being overseen by officials from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, my Department and the SEAI. This review will be completed later this year. SEAI has been commissioned to conduct a targeted study of certain aspects of the Wind Energy Guidelines 2006. This study will examine the manner in which the guidelines address key issues of community concern such as noise (including separation distance) and shadow flicker. The study will be one input into the review of the Wind Energy Guidelines. I have no doubt that SEAI will discharge this work in a fully objective manner.

The Environmental Protection Agency is an independent public body operating under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and issues concerning its remit are in the first instance a matter for the Minister of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Finally, the appointments of the Chair and Directors to the Board of SEAI are made in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Sustainable Energy Act 2002. The Board acts in accordance with the revised Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies published by the Department of Finance in 2009, and all Board members are required to make Statements of Interests under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001.